Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health)
Last updated August 2026
Nebraska Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. It covers children, pregnant people, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income adults. Nebraska expanded Medicaid. The Heritage Health Adult program now covers low-income adults ages 19 to 64. So a single adult with no children can be covered here. Apply online through iServe Nebraska.
The expansion has a clear income line. Adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. That is about $22,000 a year for one person. If your income is near that line, apply and let the state check. The office decides who qualifies.
The coverage is full and the same for everyone in expansion. It includes doctor visits, hospital visits, and prescription drugs. It also includes dental, vision, and over-the-counter drug coverage. Since October 1, 2021, everyone eligible through expansion automatically gets these same full benefits. You do not have to ask for a special package.
Most Nebraska Medicaid members get care through Heritage Health. Heritage Health is the state's managed-care system. You pick a health plan, and that plan helps you find doctors and get care. If you have Medicare, you can still qualify for Medicaid in other ways. You just do not use the Heritage Health Adult expansion path.
Medicaid is more than one program. Beyond expansion, Nebraska Medicaid also covers people 65 and older, people with disabilities, children 18 and under, pregnant people, parents and caretakers, and former foster youth. Each group has its own pathway. So apply even if you were denied before, because a different pathway may fit you now.
Apply online at iServe Nebraska, by phone, or at a local DHHS office. To apply or ask questions by phone, call (855) 632-7633. In Lincoln, call (402) 473-7000. In Omaha, call (402) 595-1178. While your application is reviewed, you can dial 2-1-1 to find a community health center near you.
Phone 402-471-3121
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Nebraska residents who meet the income rules for their group; the Heritage Health Adult expansion covers low-income adults 19 to 64
- Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities each have their own pathway, so apply even if you were denied before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at iServe Nebraska, by phone, or at a local DHHS office.
- 2
If you are an adult 19 to 64, check your income against the 138% of poverty line.
- 3
Have proof of identity, income, and Nebraska residency ready.
- 4
Pick a Heritage Health managed-care plan after you are approved.
- 5
If you were denied before, apply again, since a different pathway may fit.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income
- Proof of Nebraska residency. Your DHHS office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for the Medicaid expansion?
Adults ages 19 to 64 with income up to 138 percent of poverty, about $22,000 a year for one person, can qualify through Heritage Health Adult.
What does expansion coverage include?
Doctor and hospital visits and prescription drugs, plus dental, vision, and over-the-counter drug coverage. Since October 1, 2021, all expansion members automatically get these same full benefits.
I have Medicare. Can I still get Medicaid?
Yes. People with Medicare can qualify for Medicaid in other ways, just not through the Heritage Health Adult expansion path.
How do I apply?
Apply online at iServe Nebraska, by phone, or at a local DHHS office. Call (855) 632-7633, or (402) 473-7000 in Lincoln and (402) 595-1178 in Omaha.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Nebraska programs →Free · Private · No account needed